The primary focus of my research is to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms of neurological diseases in the central nervous system (CNS), by using various types of in vitro and in vivo animal models. The primary research tools for this lab include electrophysiology (patch clamp), morphology, molecular biology, computer simulation, and neural engineering.

The functionality of the CNS is dependent on normal synaptic transmissions. Extracellular accumulation of an excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, is believed to be an important mediator of hypoxic/ischemic injury in the CNS. The disrupted balance between the excitatory glutamatergic and the inhibitory GABAergic transmission can cause neurons to transit from their quiescent state to a hyper-excitable state, a fundamental neurobiological basis for epilepsy. This research project aims to determine the underlying mechanisms that disrupt normal synaptic transmissions and to prevent these disturbances from occurring.

Approximately 280,000 people in North America currently suffer from SCI, a significant cause for morbidity and mortality. This research will focus on the neurophysiology bases of SCI and its novel treatment strategies, such as searching for new pharmacological targets, controlling neuron activity with electric current stimulation, and cell therapy with stem cell transplantation.

Ye H, Morton DW, Chiel HJ (2006) Neuromechanics of coordination during swallowing in Aplysia californica. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 26:1470-1485.

Ye H, Morton DW, Chiel HJ (2006) Neuromechanics of multifunctionality during rejection in Aplysia californica. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 26:10743-10755.